Gold Coast, Australia: an experience of a life time! Past Review

By (Marketing, University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh) for

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Gold Coast - Griffith University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I enjoyed pretty much every second of my program. Besides the high cost of living, everything else was wonderful. If you get the opportunity to partake in such an experience, I would absolutely recommend Gold Coast.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The grading system was a little more difficult than my home university. However, there teaching methods are relatively similar to those in the states. They focus quite heavily on group work and involvement in the classroom.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

While abroad, my resident director was always available. She was never more than a text message or phone call away. She gave us information about local places and if we needed anything, she could answer us.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Our housing was outstanding. We stayed in a hotel that was practically an apartment. They housed other travelers like a hotel, but the accommodations were apartment-like. We had a large living room and kitchen, two bathrooms and two shared bedrooms. All of our linens were supplied for us and anything we needed, the front desk most likely had.

* Food:

I did not have any sort of meal plan while studying, so I cooked all my meals. When we did go out to dinner, we found excellent places to eat. Some were local spots and some tourist spots. Overall, they were delicious.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

EAN provided plenty of opportunities to get involved in cultural experiences. My roommates and I participated in a local 8km Mother's Day Race. It was great to be involved in things that residents were doing.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Safety and health care overall was outstanding. EAN provided health care while abroad and it was easy to use at Griffith University's health center. I had to get blood taken while abroad because I developed a serious cough, but they were very helpful and got everything taken care of.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Anyone who is interested in living in one of the most beautiful and accessible countries in the world should definitely check out this program. The price was high, but out of the other programs, had excellent value and was absolutely worth my money!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Introduction to Marketing

Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments: The class was not as challenging as expected. The class is specifically geared towards freshmen students, so an experienced college student would have no problem completing the course.
Credit Transfer Issues: No

Comments

After reevaluating my review and speaking with students about my experience, my issues do not lie with TEAN, but with a lack of planning in general. I had a difficult time trying to estimate expenses while traveling to Australia. With the fluctuation of the Aussie dollar compared to the American dollar, being able to estimate everyday expenses was difficult. If you are concerned with this portion of traveling abroad, I would suggest looking at everyday costs where you are traveling. Possibly looking at government links that provide an accurate depiction of the value of your money while abroad. I am currently trying to estimate my expenses while abroad and would love to answer any further questions regarding this issue. If I could change the overall rating for TEAN, I would give their efforts 5 stars and would recommend a few simple links regarding everyday expenses while in Australia!

Amy_366 December 05, 2011

Thanks Amy. We'll be in contact with you regarding developing a more accurate expenses list for Australia that we can provide to prospective students.

deleted-1525099657EducationAbroad December 05, 2011